Modern Vespa

Stock pipe looks not so bad in the flesh, actually leaning toward the Sito+ for a "stealth" look.

Yeah, machine shop cut and centerbored shaft before welding.

Project is on temporary hold due to extended business travel. Updates should resume mid May.

Such as great project

Would you mind if I translate in to Thai and post your article and picture in www.NewVespa.com for a topic of Showcase

Spread the knowledge, that's what forums are for.

Love this project. Keep us posted.

I like your vespa
I also like using your vespa.
I found very interesting the way you do, most especially the disc brakes.
I really want to like you. You can teach me how to do it.
I'm from Vietnam. So my very bad English
Thanks u !

Won't argue that point. More coming soon.

said it before and here goes again ....... orange n black vespas n lime green n black lammys

[quote="bluecloud"] Oh thanks very much.
You have to replace parts of the GT ? You can give me some detailed photos, I want to be seen clearly.
In Vietnam, the parts are very expensive Vespa . So I have to weigh very carefully to do the job just like you.
Nice to have friends and love vespa !

Update: wheel/brake conversion portion of project nearly complete, only a few minor details to sort.

Have been riding it several days now and can report that it far exceeds my expectations -- rock stable at speed, confidence inspiring turn-in, one finger brakes.

And my concerns about aesthetics of additional length out back seem to have been unfounded, IMO stock LX/S now looks anemic in comparison.









Last edited by bluecloud on Mon, 14 May 2018 05:53:55 +0000; edited 1 time

More and more I see it looks nice, really intoxicated. I will try to do it
You're too clever.

Re: conversion details.

Over the course of several posts will detail as much as possible what it took for the conversion. Front brakes first as was easiest.

Front brakes

Reference threads:
LX brakes > GTS brakes, NOT!
Vespa LX - New and improved!
GT/GTS front wheel swap on LX

Notes:

1) 100 % bolt-on parts swap -- NO modifications required.
2) 12 inch wheel will bolt to LX hub -- same bolt pattern and hub bore. Can do wheel conversion only.
3) 11 inch wheel will not fit GT/S brakes -- cannot do brake conversion only.
4) sourcing used -- all 200/250/300 GT/S front hub/brake parts are same.
5) parts pricing -- <$150 from eBay or craigs, eBay vendors WILL take lowball combo offers.
6) get a guarantee of usability -- most of these bikes end up in salvage from a front end hit.

Parts needed:

master cylinder --- CM074901
braided line -------- 597856
caliper ------------- CM068301
caliper bracket ---- 597758
caliper bolts ------- 319532 ---- qty 2
hub ---------------- 598654
disc --------------- 564573
clip ---------------- 598134

optional:

wheel bolts -------- 149104 ---- qty 5


That's it. All other hardware, speedo gear, etc. is interchangeable and reusable. Install is simple remove and replace. Bolts are optional as GT/S ones are longer but LX/S ones would work fine.

Last edited by bluecloud on Sun, 08 May 2011 16:07:13 +0000; edited 4 times

Re: conversion.

Up next disc hub/gearbox.

Reference threads:
Rosebud LX200 Super Special
Gear tooth counts and interchangeability

Notes:

1) wheel axle needs to be cut and welded to eliminate outboard bearing stub.
2) rear fender needs to be modified for tire clearance.
3) center stand works but isn't stable, will need modification or GT stand.
4) sourcing used -- good luck, nobody wants to part out trans, but could probably get complete used motor for same $$ as new trans parts only -- GT 200 leader only, 250/300 stuff won't work.

Parts needed;

wheel axle ------- 8347335
housing cover --- 8322495
bearing ---------- 485912 ---- qty 2
gasket ---------- 847930
bolts ------------ 825758 ---- qty 3

optional:

countershaft ---- 485891

GT countershaft is optional as there are several gearing options:
1) LX/S stock primary + secondary in combo with 110/60 tire yields slight upgear
2) LX/S primary + GT secondary + 110/60 = slight downgear
3) Polini primary + GT secondary + 110/60 = optimal upgear?

Need to install 1 bearing each in cover and trans case and press gears as required then install is simple remove and replace.

Excellent! Keep it coming...

can i see the horn cover where you covered it? I bet it looks wicked.

So the master cylinder fit well under the headset?

call me stupid and ignorant, but i really dont see anything done on this bike. i've been following it because i like the look of the s150 and wanted to see what you had in mind for this. maybe some 'before' pics would help?

Seriously? Check out vespa.com for stock pics. The changes are quite subtle but to the aware they are amazing.

i did, the only thing i could see really was that the tags were taken off of the left 'cowl' and from the left side of the engine, that big vespa plate was removed.

Heh... your eyes are obviously more drawn to style than substance.

Do the words "big honkin' disc brakes" offer a clue?

Not painted yet, still looks like the earlier pic.

And with the beautiful NorCal scootin weather and what a blast this thing is to ride looks like it might be next winter before I get it painted.

Front master is same external size as LX/S one, only bore diameter is different = simple swap.

Rear however is another story, and required a bit of persuasion.

I never even stopped to check. so what's the bore of the LX and GTS master?

And that's EXACTLY the project concept.

Subtle dechrome to accentuate the vintage styling of the S. Then maximization of mechanical potential of the modern "smallie." Sort of like a modern 90SS -- a "190SS" if you will.

My step-through sport bike up at Alice's. Only 1/4 inch of "chicken strips." Gonna need knee pucks.





Last edited by bluecloud on Mon, 14 May 2018 06:33:59 +0000; edited 1 time

What time were you there on Sunday? I was having lunch across the street.

Dunno what the actual sizes are but the numbers are different in the parts book. And that the numbers cast on the LX front and GT rear are the same suggest that these might correspond to diameter in mm -- 11 on the LX front/GT rear and I think 14 on the GT front. 12:30 - 1:00. Saw a couple 2 stroke scooters take off up Skyline, was that you?

Last edited by bluecloud on Wed, 04 May 2011 01:45:59 +0000; edited 1 time

Re: conversion.

Better get the rear brakes in here.

Notes:

1) only issue is the master cylinder fit in the handlebar cover -- easily fixed with 2 countersunk fasteners and a bit of dremel work.
2) sourcing used -- all 200/250/300 GT/S rear hub/brake parts are same, except maybe hose -- looks the same but numbers are different in the catalog.
3) parts pricing -- <$150 from eBay or craigs -- lowball baby.

Parts needed:

master cylinder --- CM074801
braided line -------- 600195
caliper ------------- CM074101
hub ---------------- 598715
disc --------------- 564573
clip ---------------- 564629 ---- qty 2
wheel bolts -------- 149104 ---- qty 5

Reuse the LX/S front caliper mount bolts. Lower caliper clamp screw and inner signal switch screws need to be countersunk and switch mount "posts" need to be shortened a couple mm. PITA figuring out where to drill the hole in the handlebar -- there is a "sweet spot." I ended up with a 1/2 inch hole in my handlebar -- recommend just grinding the pin off the master. That's it, the rest is bolt on.

looking good, 8) keep up the work

You can let me know, this is part of the GT or S ?

modified GT axle, cut and welded

That dropped down wheel in the back does make it look like it has plenty of umph!! Glad to hear it turned out well and is very stable!!!

I'm not sure I'd trust that weld (although it certainly looks like a good one) in such a critical spot. If I ever try to do this in order to get a rear disc, I think I'd be inclined to fabricate a swingarm out of aluminum plate with a bearing mounted in the outer end of it, attached to the two muffler support bosses on the crankcase, to support the outer end of the axle as on the GT. You'd still only have one shock, but I think it would be more secure than relying on the weld.

Uhm, couldn't you just use the 200 swingarm late thing with the bearing. You'd have to then do something with the exhaust.

I'd be interested in a set up using the et front 10" wheel on the gt spindle. not a fan of low pro tires. Not sure about the gearing thing tho.

That weld looks real nice to me. should be golden.

Not critical.

Weld is outboard of shaft/splines that see all the load. Threaded stub only needs to clamp washer to retain the wheel.

Outboard bearing not doable and not needed -- only on larger scoot because of weight.

I realize the weld does not bear the weight, but it still holds the wheel on!

Don't understand why an outboard bearing on a fabricated swingarm would not be doable, though.

Not gonna happen -- won't fit the brakes.

Not a fan of low profile because you haven't tried them.

Would not believe how well this thing turns.

Time for an update.

Nothing new on the cosmetics front, still needs paint and powdercoat. Have been riding and tuning. Happy to report have ~ 1500 miles on conversion with zero issues.

190 and upgear installed. No increase in top speed -- yet, but a bit quicker with with fatter torque. Currently running 9.8g (drilled stock) rollers in factory variator and red Malossi clutch springs. Not a wheely machine -- yet, but nobody beats me off the line at a light.

Last edited by bluecloud on Sat, 06 Jun 2020 23:55:36 +0000; edited 1 time

Really like your project, looking forward for it

http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=798833#798833